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The Gospel of Luke

In this series we’ll explore the world-changing story of Jesus through the Gospel of Luke. It’ll be a chance to not only see why the Gospel stories are important, but how we can actually read and understand them.

We’ll get to immerse ourselves in Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. But we’ll also explore key people and themes throughout Luke that will help challenge and encourage us as followers of Jesus in today’s world. This is a great chance for us to engage and connect both the head (apologetics, historicity, Jesus was a real person), as well as the heart (drawing us to the beauty, power, and truth of who Jesus really is).

Talks in this series

Gospel of Luke: How to Read the Gospels

James Copeland 8th January 2023

In the first talk of our series on the Gospel of Luke, James looks at who Luke was and why he was writing. Understanding how to read the gospels is vital for our relationship with Jesus. Through studying the historical accounts of Jesus’s life on earth, we can be drawn to the beauty, power, and truth of who Jesus really is, and our lives can be transformed.

Gospel of Luke: How to Read the Gospels

Adnan Khan

In the first talk of our series on the Gospel of Luke, Adnan looks at who Luke was and why he was writing. Understanding how to read the gospels is vital for our relationship with Jesus. Through studying the historical accounts of Jesus’s life on earth, we can be drawn to the beauty, power, and truth of who Jesus really is, and our lives can be transformed.

Zechariah: Echoes of the past

Helen Marasha 23rd January 2023

The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth shows us that God often does His most amazing work in the context of impossibility. In this talk, Helen looks at how we can trust God even when our circumstances seem impossible, and how we can find hope in God when the things we long for feel far away.

Zechariah: Echoes of the past

Joel Wade 15th January 2023

The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth shows us that God often does His most amazing work in the context of impossibility. In this talk, Joel looks at how we can trust God even when our circumstances seem impossible, and how we can find hope in God when the things we long for feel far away.

Mary: Ordinary Woman, Extraordinary Faith

Lars Due-Christensen 29th January 2023

Mary was an ordinary, unknown girl from an obscure part of Nazareth. Yet God chose her to bear His son, Jesus! In this talk, Lars considers what we can learn from Mary’s response to this astonishing calling. We too can choose to respond to God in joyful obedience and extraordinary faith, even in the smallest moments of our every day lives.

Mary: Ordinary Woman, Extraordinary Faith

Andy Nunn

Mary was an ordinary, unknown girl from an obscure part of Nazareth. Yet God chose her to bear His son, Jesus! In this talk, Andy considers what we can learn from Mary’s response to this astonishing calling. We too can choose to respond to God in joyful obedience and extraordinary faith, even in the smallest moments of our every day lives.

Upside Down Kingdom

Lou Richards

In Luke chapter 2 we see the secret working of God’s providence. God uses ordinary people and ordinary means to bring about His extraordinary purposes in the world. In this talk, Lou considers how we can respond to God with an open heart of obedience and faith, and be expectant for Him to use us in our every day lives.

Upside Down Kingdom

Simon Mackenzie

In Luke chapter 2 we see the secret working of God’s providence. God uses ordinary people and ordinary means to bring about His extraordinary purposes in the world. In this talk, Simon considers how we can respond to God with an open heart of obedience and faith, and be expectant for Him to use us in our every day lives.

His Father’s House

Adnan Khan 5th February 2023

In this talk from our series in the Gospel of Luke, Adnan looks at the story of Jesus in the temple from Luke chapter 2.

Voice in the Wilderness

Natalie Powell 12th February 2023

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, and preached a message of repentance and holiness. In this talk, Natalie looks at what we can learn from the life and message of John the Baptist in Luke chapter 3.

Temptations in the Wilderness

Joel Wade

In this talk from our series on the Gospel of Luke, Joel looks at the temptation of Jesus from Luke chapter 4.

Jesus in His Hometown

Natan Mladin 16th April 2023

In this talk Natan continues our series in the Gospel of Luke. We pick up the story with Jesus preaching in his hometown. Of the more than 2000 prophecies in the Old Testament that point to the Messiah of Israel, Jesus chooses a portion of a prophecy from Isaiah that describes His calling and mission.

Jesus in His Hometown

Adam Purcell 30th April 2023

In this talk Adam continues our series in the Gospel of Luke. We pick up the story with Jesus preaching in his hometown. Of the more than 2000 prophecies in the Old Testament that point to the Messiah of Israel, Jesus chooses a portion of a prophecy from Isaiah that describes His calling and mission.

Jesus in His Hometown

Sam Lomas 23rd April 2023

In this talk Sam continues our series in the Gospel of Luke. We pick up the story with Jesus preaching in his hometown. Of the more than 2000 prophecies in the Old Testament that point to the Messiah of Israel, Jesus chooses a portion of a prophecy from Isaiah that describes His calling and mission.

Calling the First Disciples

Andy Tilsley 30th April 2023

Jesus calls His disciples in an unexpected way in Luke chapter 5. His followers weren’t clever philosophers. They were ordinary tradespeople. But it was who they chose to follow that made all the difference! In the same way, Jesus calls us to be His disciples right where we are. In this talk Andy looks at how we can follow Jesus whatever our place in life, whatever our location, whatever our circumstances.

Calling the First Disciples

Adnan Khan 23rd April 2023

Jesus calls His disciples in an unexpected way in Luke chapter 5. His followers weren’t clever philosophers. They were ordinary tradespeople. But it was who they chose to follow that made all the difference! In the same way, Jesus calls us to be His disciples right where we are. In this talk Adnan looks at how we can follow Jesus whatever our place in life, whatever our location, whatever our circumstances.

Jesus, the Leper, and the Paralytic Man

Helen Marasha

In both these cases of healing, we see something marvellous about Jesus: He brings God’s freedom, favour, and forgiveness into a broken and desperate world. Are we trusting in this authority for our own forgiveness? Are we trusting in His power to bring healing and hope? How does Jesus’ compassion, power, and forgiveness shape our lives as disciples?

Jesus, the Leper, and the Paralytic Man

Joel Wade 30th April 2023

In both these cases of healing, we see something marvellous about Jesus: He brings God’s freedom, favour, and forgiveness into a broken and desperate world. Are we trusting in this authority for our own forgiveness? Are we trusting in His power to bring healing and hope? How does Jesus’ compassion, power, and forgiveness shape our lives as disciples?

New Wineskins

Catherine Ishola 7th May 2023

In Luke chapter 5, Jesus uses parables to teach His followers not cling to old ways of thinking and living, but embrace the new life of God’s kingdom. In this talk, Catherine looks at how we can let go of old ways to receive God’s transformative power in our daily lives.

New Wineskins

Jo Bird 28th May 2023

In Luke chapter 5, Jesus uses parables to teach His followers not cling to old ways of thinking and living, but embrace the new life of God’s kingdom. In this talk, Jo looks at how we can let go of old ways to receive God’s transformative power in our daily lives.

Lord of the Sabbath

Raphael Arthur 7th May 2023

The Sabbath was always intended to allow people to rest in God’s freedom and favour, but instead the Pharisees turned it into a way of burdening and prohibiting people from truly experiencing God’s fullness of life. In this talk, Raph considers how we can enter into God’s Sabbath rest as a way of delighting ourselves in Him.

Lord of the Sabbath

Shaninga Marasha 28th May 2023

The Sabbath was always intended to allow people to rest in God’s freedom and favour, but instead the Pharisees turned it into a way of burdening and prohibiting people from truly experiencing God’s fullness of life. In this talk, Shaninga considers how we can enter into God’s Sabbath rest as a way of delighting ourselves in Him.

Lord of the Sabbath

Benedict Douglas-Scott

The Sabbath was always intended to allow people to rest in God’s freedom and favour, but instead the Pharisees turned it into a way of burdening and prohibiting people from truly experiencing God’s fullness of life. In this talk, Benedict considers how we can enter into God’s Sabbath rest as a way of delighting ourselves in Him.

Blessings and Woes

Sam Lomas 4th June 2023

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus teaches that following Him doesn’t mean we won’t suffer. But we can view suffering from a place of blessing rather than curse – knowing that we have a Saviour who not only endured the worst suffering, but promises us a new life, new hope, and new future with Him.

Blessings and Woes

Lou Richards 11th June 2023

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus teaches that following Him doesn’t mean we won’t suffer. But we can view suffering from a place of blessing rather than curse – knowing that we have a Saviour who not only endured the worst suffering, but promises us a new life, new hope, and new future with Him.

Is Christianity Oppressive to Women?

Andy Tilsley

Jesus radically affirmed women in a culture where they were often treated as less valuable than men. In this talk from our Gospel of Luke series, Andy looks at why Jesus’ teachings about women are so liberating.

Fruitfulness and Resilience

Lars Due-Christensen 18th June 2023

Fruitfulness and resilience are key markers of true discipleship. In this talk, Lars looks at the difference between simply claiming to know Jesus and having a true, loving, authentic relationship with Him – which can weather any storm.

Lover, Not a Judger

Ellen Udall

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus tells His disciples to not only follow His way, but to love their enemies – and even bless them and pray for them! In this talk, Ellen looks at how we can live a life of love instead of judgement.

Lover, Not a Judger

James Copeland 25th June 2023

In Luke chapter 6, Jesus tells His disciples to not only follow His way, but to love their enemies – and even bless them and pray for them! In this talk, James looks at how we can live a life of love instead of judgement.

Parable of the Sower

Justin Eniola

In this talk, Justin looks at the parable of the sower from Luke chapter 8, and considers how we can surrender to God and let Him make our hearts into good soil, ready to receive His word.

A Lamp Under a Jar

Sam Luck 16th July 2023

Discipleship means not hiding the work God has done in our lives, but using the new light we have to guide others to Jesus. In this talk, Sam looks at Jesus’ parable of the lamp under the jar, and considers how we can boldly shine God’s light to others.

Jesus Meets Legion

Natalie Powell

In Luke chapter 8 Jesus delivers a man from a legion of demons, restoring him to wholeness and freedom. In this talk, Natalie looks at what this story teaches us about Jesus’ authority over evil, and His willingness to heal and restore us.

The Faith of the Centurion

Andy Tilsley 23rd July 2023

In Luke chapter 7, Jesus heals a centurion’s servant because of the faith of his master. In this talk, Andy looks at how we, as disciples of Jesus, can have faith for physical healing and hope to see breakthrough in this area.

The Faith of the Centurion

Adam Purcell

In Luke chapter 7, Jesus heals a centurion’s servant because of the faith of his master. In this talk, Adam looks at how we, as disciples of Jesus, can have faith for God to break through in our lives and our world.

Jesus Calms the Storm

Jo Bird 30th July 2023

When Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, He demonstrated not only His authority over creation, but also His tender loving-kindness towards us. In this talk, Jo looks at how we can actively put our trust in Jesus and receive His peace, even amongst the inevitable storms of life.

Jesus Calms the Storm

Jonny May

When Jesus calmed the storm for His disciples, He demonstrated not only His authority over creation, but also His tender loving-kindness towards us. In this talk, Jonny looks at how we can actively put our trust in Jesus and receive His peace, even amongst the inevitable storms of life.

Parable of the Sower

Barry Clist

In this talk, Barry looks at the parable of the sower from Luke chapter 8, and considers how we can surrender to God and let Him make our hearts into good soil, ready to receive His word.

The Forgiven Woman

Catherine Ishola 9th July 2023

In Luke chapter 7, Jesus encountered a ‘sinful woman’ who poured perfume on His feet as an extravagant act of worship and devotion. In this talk we look at how encountering the vastness of God’s forgiveness changes us, and leads us to respond with whole-hearted devotion to Jesus.

The Forgiven Woman

Philippa Long 23rd July 2023

In Luke chapter 7, Jesus encountered a ‘sinful woman’ who poured perfume on His feet as an extravagant act of worship and devotion. In this talk we look at how encountering the vastness of God’s forgiveness changes us, and leads us to respond with whole-hearted devotion to Jesus.

Parable of the Sower

Hélène Williams

In this talk, Hélène looks at the parable of the sower from Luke chapter 8, and considers how we can surrender to God and let Him make our hearts into good soil, ready to receive His word.

Who Do You Say I Am?

Gill 3rd September 2023

At the time of Jesus, the popular opinion of the Messiah was one who’d bring revolution by overthrowing the conquering forces of Israel. While opinions were spreading as to who he might be, here Jesus begins to reveal the true nature of what God’s Messiah was prophesied to do. In this talk, Gill explores Jesus’ desire for our opinions to be shaped by a personal relationship with him rather than popular opinions of our time.

The Good Samaritan (A Lesson of Love)

James Copeland 10th September 2023

What does Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan teach us about love and compassion? In this talk, James explores how the parable reflects God’s heart for us and our neighbours.

Summer Retreat 2023 Session 2: David Stroud

David Stroud 26th August 2023

How can a small group of fervent and faithful disciples see a society transformed by God’s Kingdom – especially in a nation where churches are in decline? In this talk, David Stroud explores the story of the prophet Daniel during Babylonian exile, and imagines how Daniel’s example of faithfulness can also help us seek God’s Kingdom in our time and place.

Summer Retreat 2023 Session 3: Joshua Luke Smith

Joshua Luke Smith 27th August 2023

What captivated and convinced the earliest followers of Jesus to surrender everything they had to follow Him? Is it possible for us to be filled with that same conviction today? In this talk, Joshua Luke Smith reflects on some of the ingredients of what this deep conviction looks like, and how it leads us to surrender and devote everything we are and have to Jesus.

The Centurion’s Faith

Adam Purcell 3rd September 2023

Have you ever seen faith that has amazed or surprised you? Maybe someone in a health crisis, season of uncertainty, suffering, or job insecurity? Here we have an instance of faith that amazes Jesus. No where else do we see this in the Gospel! A Roman centurion would usually be a symbol of oppression and conquest, but here we read of one admired by the Jewish community.

A Tale of Two Daughters

Natalie Powell 10th September 2023

This story from Luke follows two separate dramas that become intertwined in a way that couldn’t be foreseen. The characters and events intrude on each other and result in us seeing how Jesus is a Saviour we can trust in both our desperation and even death.

The Spirit and Mission

Joel Wade 17th September 2023

What does it look like to live on mission for God? In this talk, Joel explores our call to mission through the story of the seventy-two disciples carrying out Jesus’ work in different towns and villages.

The Good Samaritan (A Lesson of Love)

Taiwo Otaiku 24th September 2023

What does Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan teach us about love and compassion? In this talk, Taiwo explores how the parable reflects God’s heart for us and our neighbours.

The Spirit and Mission

Lars Due-Christensen 1st October 2023

What does it look like to live on mission for God? In this talk, Lars explores our call to mission through the story of the seventy-two disciples carrying out Jesus’ work in different towns and villages.

The Lord’s Prayer

Catherine Ishola

In this talk Catherine explores the power of the Lord’s prayer in our daily lives, and how Jesus both models a life of prayer and offers us a practical lesson in how to pray ourselves.

The Lord’s Prayer

Natalie Powell 8th October 2023

In this talk Natalie explores the power of the Lord’s prayer in our daily lives, and how Jesus both models a life of prayer and offers us a practical lesson in how to pray ourselves.

The Sign of Jonah

Joel Wade

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, tension has been building between Jesus and the religious leaders. In this passage, we see a dramatic climax of this tension as Jesus responds to their request for a ‘sign from heaven’. In this talk, Joel looks at why Jesus responds the way he does, and the meaning behind the only sign the leaders would get – the ‘sign of Jonah’.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Kenny Crawford 15th October 2023

In this talk, Kenny looks at how Jesus reassures his disciples of God’s good character, and how his love encourages us to persist and persevere in prayer.

The Sign of Jonah

Sam Lomas

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, tension has been building between Jesus and the religious leaders. In this passage, we see a dramatic climax of this tension as Jesus responds to their request for a ‘sign from heaven’. In this talk, Sam looks at why Jesus responds the way he does, and the meaning behind the only sign the leaders would get – the ‘sign of Jonah’.

Ask, Seek, Knock

Lars Due-Christensen 22nd October 2023

In this talk, Lars looks at how Jesus reassures his disciples of God’s good character, and how his love encourages us to persist and persevere in prayer.

Jesus and Beelzebul

Andy Tilsley

What are we to make of Jesus’ encounters with those who were demon possessed? In this talk, Andy Tilsley explores the story of Jesus and Beelzebul (Luke 11:14-26)) and what it can teach us about the devil and demons.

Do not worry

John Goddard 29th October 2023

Jesus wants his disciples to experience freedom from fear of the future by revealing we have the best inheritance in God as our Father. In this talk, John looks at how we can live distinctly as God’s people, knowing that our Father knows our needs and is pleased to give us his very kingdom.

The Sign of Jonah

Hélène Williams

Throughout the Gospel of Luke, tension has been building between Jesus and the religious leaders. In this passage, we see a dramatic climax of this tension as Jesus responds to their request for a ‘sign from heaven’. In this talk, Helene looks at why Jesus responds the way he does, and the meaning behind the only sign the leaders would get – the ‘sign of Jonah’.

The Lamp of the Body

Lou Richards 5th November 2023

There are many references to light in the Bible as a metaphor for God’s presence, Spirit, and instructions. In Luke 11:33-36, Jesus gives us a picture of how God’s light provides a healthy vision for our lives. In this talk, Lou explores Jesus’ call to not just see the light, but to live fully in the light of his presence and teaching.

The Lamp of the Body

Paul Conrathe

There are many references to light in the Bible as a metaphor for God’s presence, Spirit, and instructions. In Luke 11:33-36, Jesus gives us a picture of how God’s light provides a healthy vision for our lives. In this talk, Paul explores Jesus’ call to not just see the light, but to live fully in the light of his presence and teaching.

The Faithful Steward

Adnan Khan

In this talk, Adnan looks at Jesus’ call to faithfully steward our present life in light of his future return, and his warning about living as if he isn’t coming back.

The Call for Repentance and Fruitfulness

Catherine Ishola 12th November 2023

When tragedies strike, it feels natural to respond in fear, confusion, and judgement. It also presents challenging questions around God’s involvement (or lack thereof). Where was he in all of this? In this talk, Catherine looks at Jesus’ response to tragic news of death and highlights Jesus’ call for repentance and fruitfulness.

Parable of the Rich Fool

Shaninga Marasha 19th November 2023

In this talk, Shaninga looks at Jesus’ parable of the Rich Fool and its warning about trusting in riches for an ultimate sense of security in life, and how greed can rob us of a true sense of God’s abundant purpose.

Parable of the Mustard Seed and Yeast

Joel Wade

In this talk, Joel Wade explores Jesus’ unexpected vision of God’s kingdom through the Parable of the Mustard Seed and Yeast, and what it means for us and the world around us.

Parable of the Rich Fool

Raphael Arthur 12th November 2023

In this talk, Raph looks at Jesus’ parable of the Rich Fool and its warning about trusting in riches for an ultimate sense of security in life, and how greed can rob us of a true sense of God’s abundant purpose.

Jesus and Radical Hospitality

Sam Lomas 7th January 2024

Sam continues our series in Luke’s gospel looking at Luke 14:1-14 and talks about radical hospitality, and the call of Jesus to welcome everyone with grace and love.

The Way of Humility

Joel Wade 18th February 2024

In our series on Lent through Luke, Joel Wade looks at how Jesus’ journey to the cross models a life of humility and generosity.

Forgiveness

Jonny May 25th February 2024

In our series on Lent through Luke, Jonny May looks at Luke 17:1-10, exploring the power of forgiveness and how it affects our relationship with ourselves, others, and with God.

Counting the Cost

Natalie Powell 3rd March 2024

In our series on Lent through Luke, Natalie Powell looks at Jesus’ call to prioritise following him above anything or anyone else in life, and his charge to surrender everything we are and have to be his disciple.

Stewardship – Parable of Ten Minas

Seb Lannuzel 10th March 2024

Prayer

Adnan Khan 17th March 2024

In our series on Lent through Luke, Adnan Khan looks at how Jesus calls his disciples to pray with confidence and humility, believing that God is good in character and hears our prayers not due to our merit but his mercy.

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Andy Tilsley 24th March 2024

In our series on Lent through Luke, Andy Tilsley looks at Jesus’ story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), and explores our attitude to money, those in need, and our very real need for relationship with Jesus.

Generosity

Natan Mladin

In our series on Lent through Luke, Natan Mladin looks at Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus the tax collector, and how his call to follow Jesus brims into a life of generosity and gratitude.

Easter Sunday

Andy Tilsley 31st March 2024

Andy Tilsley teaches from Luke 24:1-8 for Easter Sunday.

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at Jericho

Philippa Long 7th April 2024

In this talk Philippa Long explores how hope in the promises of God forges our hope through darkness and when met with the grace of Jesus it unlocks our deepest healing.

The Narrow Door and Sorrow for Jerusalem

Natalie Powell 11th April 2024

In our series on the Gospel of Luke, Natalie looks at Jesus’ warnings about salvation in Luke 13:22-35 and explores what it means to “make every effort to enter through the narrow door” of God’s kingdom.

The Coming of the Kingdom of God

Danny Webster 7th April 2024

In our series on the Gospel of Luke, Danny Webster teaches from Luke 17:20-37 about the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Parable of the Tenants

James Copeland 14th April 2024

James Copeland unpacks Luke 20:9-19, and the challenging parable Jesus tells about the tenants in the Vineyard. He looks at what this meant for Israel, and what this might mean for us today to be God’s tenants and the temptation to do away with God and seize power and control for ourselves.

Parable of the Shrewd Manager

Joel Wade

Joel Wade continues through our series on Luke, unpacking the enigmatic parable known as the Shrewd Manager, and how stewardship and generosity are part of what it means to follow Jesus.

Prodigal Son

Nicole Lewis 21st April 2024

Nicole Lewis continues through our series on Luke, recounting the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son, and pausing to reflect on how we can often identify with both sons in the story.

Healing of the Ten Lepers

Catherine Ishola 28th April 2024

Catherine Ishola unpacks the story of the Ten Lepers, highlighting three key lessons we can learn: 1. A call to the marginalised, 2. A call to walk by faith, and 3. A call to have an attitude of gratitude.